Olympia tours

Things to do in Olympia

In Olympia, where the Olympic Games were born, history feels alive beneath your feet. Here, stories of ancient athletes echo amidst tranquil olive groves surrounding the ruins. As you traverse these sacred grounds, envision the cheers of crowds celebrating mighty competitors. With your local guide, an Olympia tour becomes a journey through time. Explore the Archaeological Museum, where detailed sculptures recount tales of the gods. Experience a private tour that revives the legends etched into the temples and stadiums. Wander lively markets where the scent of grilled souvlaki and fresh bread fills the air, and let your guide introduce you to the flavours of Greece on a food and wine tour. In Olympia, every stone has a story, and with your guide, you’ll connect with the spirit of this ancient land in ways no guidebook ever could. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Olympia. Explore Olympia your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Olympia tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Olympia for every interest, including: History tours: Step onto the ancient starting blocks in the stadium, walk past the Temple of Zeus and the Heraion, and see the palaestra and gymnasium where athletes trained. In the Archaeological Museum, your guide points out the Hermes of Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionios, and finds from Phidias’ workshop that make the Games’ origins tangible. Architecture tours: At the ruins, study how builders stacked column drums and carved triglyphs and metopes, and compare the sturdy Heraion with the once-massive Temple of Zeus. Your guide maps out the circular Philippeion and the Leonidaion guesthouse, then takes you into the museum to examine the Temple of Zeus pediments up close. Food and Drink tours: Visit a family olive grove outside the site for a guided tasting of Koroneiki olive oil, then sit down at a village taverna for your favourite meze, like grilled pork souvlaki, village salad, and warm loukoumades with local honey. Wine lovers can add a stop at Mercouri Estate near Katakolo to sample reds and whites in the vineyard, or ask your guide for a nearby winery closer to Olympia. Most of Archaia Olympia is walkable, with the archaeological site, museums, and cafés close together; regional buses run to Pyrgos and Katakolo but service is limited. If you prefer, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to arrange private transportation between the port, wineries, and the site. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Olympia inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods A private walking tour is a great way to explore Olympia, Greece, and its fascinating neighborhoods. Let a local guide show you the best spots to add to your itinerary. - Ancient Olympia: For cultural tourists, this area is a must-see. Explore the archaeological sites and imagine the grandeur of the ancient Olympic Games. Your guide can help you navigate the ruins and share the stories behind them. - Archea Pisa: Families and groups will enjoy this quieter neighborhood, offering beautiful landscapes and traditional Greek hospitality. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy a meal at a local taverna. - Krestena: This charming town is ideal for those seeking a taste of local life. Known for its olive groves and vineyards, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the countryside and perhaps partake in a wine tasting. Day trip ideas from Olympia From Olympia, short drives link ancient cities, hill temples, forests, and long beaches, so you can plan day trips that balance archaeology, nature, and simple village food with your tour running at an easy pace. - Ancient Messene: A vast classical city with a stadium, theatre, gates, and walls you can actually walk, perfect for archaeology fans who like space to explore and clear photo angles without crowds. - Chlemoutsi Castle and Kalogria coast: A strong hilltop fortress with wide sea views, then flat trails among pines and a broad sandy beach nearby, a good mix for history buffs and swimmers in one loop. - Neda Waterfalls: Cool river pools and short path sections through a shaded gorge, fitting hikers and families who want a simple walk, quick swims in summer, and a picnic by the water when conditions allow. - Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae: A mountain drive to a unique UNESCO-listed temple in a lone setting, rewarding architecture lovers and road trippers who enjoy scenic routes and stone villages like Andritsaina. - Kaiafas Lake and Zacharo Beach: Warm springs area, long sand, and a pine-backed coast for lazy swims and wind days, good for a slow afternoon after a busy morning among ruins. These day trips also suit private tours centred on ruins, countryside drives, or beach time, so you match the day to your interests without rushing. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Olympia most travellers miss.